Arizona’s Brayden Burries Headlines Latest Wave of 2026 NBA Draft Candidates
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Arizona shooting guard Brayden Burries has entered the 2026 NBA Draft, the freshman announced on Instagram. The 6’4” scorer averaged 16.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.5 steals while hitting 39.1% from three, earning All-Big 12 First Team honors. Burries is ranked No. 10 on ESPN’s big board and No. 9 in Bleacher Report’s mock draft.
Burries Leads List of New Entrants
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Woo, Burries’ versatility allows him to operate on or off the ball, and Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report projects him firmly inside the lottery. Scouts praise his ability to attack closeouts and create turnovers, though they note he must sharpen defensive fundamentals and expand his playmaking.
Other Prospects Testing the Waters
Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt – The undersized sophomore point guard will explore the draft process, Jeff Goodman reported. Tanner averaged 19.5 points, 5.1 assists and 2.4 steals while shooting 36.8% from deep, collecting All-SEC and SEC All-Defense nods. Goodman added that deep point-guard depth and potential NIL earnings could persuade the No. 33 ESPN prospect to return to school.
Elliot Cadeau, Michigan – The national champion floor general is declaring while preserving eligibility, Jonathan Givony noted. Cadeau, 6’1”, posted 10.5 points, 5.9 assists against 2.4 turnovers and a career-best 37.6% from three. The NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player is emphasizing continued offensive growth.
Billy Richmond, Arkansas – CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein reported that the 6’5” sophomore wing will enter the draft but keep the option to return. Richmond averaged 11.2 points and 4.3 rebounds but has connected on just 23.0% of his collegiate three-point attempts.
Sergio de Larrea, Valencia (Spain) – The Spanish guard submitted his paperwork for the draft, per Givony. De Larrea recorded 9.3 points, 3.6 assists and 42.9% shooting from deep in Liga ACB play. ESPN lists him No. 48, and Bleacher Report slots him at No. 36. Valencia, the EuroLeague’s No. 2 seed, is currently in postseason play.
The pre-draft process allows underclassmen to participate in workouts and the combine before deciding whether to stay in the draft or withdraw by the NCAA’s deadline.
Source: Hoops Rumors
